The Japanese group Sumika Polymer Compounds launches the extension project of its Saint-Martin-de-Crau, France plant for a total investment of €15 million.
March 6 , 2025
The launch of the Sumika Polymer Compounds extension project took place at the Saint-Martin-de-Crau plant in the presence of Ludovic Seynave, its European President, Bernard Vigne, Scientific and Technical Coordinator of ADEME, Bernard Kleynhoff, President of risingSUD and Regional Councilor representing Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region and Delegate President of Regions of France, Jean-Michel Jalabert, Vice-President of the Agglomeration Community Arles Crau Camargue Montagnette, and Julien Besançon, 1st Deputy Mayor of Saint-Martin-de-Crau.
A subsidiary of the Japanese group Sumitomo Chemical since 2007 and present in 9 countries, Sumika Polymer Compounds manufactures innovative thermoplastic and elastomeric compounds for the industry, including 90% of automobile manufacturers. Established in Saint-Martin-de-Crau since 1989, it has chosen to continue its expansion there with a new 5,000 m² building to transform 10,000 tons of plastic waste per year into recycled polypropylene granules.
Supported by the risingSUD attractiveness and economic development agency and financed by the State within the framework of France 2030 operated by ADEME, but also by the Sud Region via Sud Développement subsidy of €300,000, the Sumika Polymer Compounds project represents a total investment of €15 million and plans to recruit 30 people in the next 3 years to strengthen the current team of 55 employees.
Ludovic Seynave, President of Sumika Polymer Compounds Europe, announced: “In order to anticipate the increase in the need for high-performance plastic compounds, induced by the new European regulations on the treatment of end-of-life vehicles, we are launching an innovative plant for recycling automotive plastic waste. This state-of-the-art facility will efficiently transform polymers from end-of-life vehicles into high-quality raw materials, meeting the technical and environmental requirements of the automotive and manufacturing industries. Our commitment is part of a circular economy approach, guaranteeing a significant reduction in the carbon footprint and optimal recovery of plastic resources.”
Bernard Kleynhoff, President of risingSUD, Regional Councilor and President of the Economic and Digital Development, Industry, Export and Attractiveness, and Cybersecurity Commission, declared: “In 2024, the action of risingSUD and the Sud Region contributed to attracting 125 projects from 27 different countries, generating the creation or maintenance of 2,878 jobs in our territory. We are proud to support each year foreign groups who decide to establish or strengthen their presence in the South region, like Sumika Polymer Compounds. This reflects their lasting confidence in our territory, and their commitment to innovate, undertake and collaborate with the other players in the ecosystem. These companies fully participate in the reindustrialization effort but also in the necessary transitions to build competitive and sustainable sectors of excellence in the South.”
Yves Le Trionnaire, Regional Director of ADEME in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, added: “ADEME supports this project to create production capacities for Recycled Plastic Materials (MPR). The upcoming modification of the European Directive (2000/53/EC) on End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) would include the obligation to incorporate 20% of MPR in vehicles, of which 15% would come from ELVs. These materials, mechanically recycled, have a reduced environmental impact compared to virgin plastics and reduce our dependence on natural resources. The automotive sector should therefore increase its demand for MPR in quantity and quality. We believe that SUMIKA Polymer Compounds, which has extensive experience in formulating plastics for the automotive market, is well placed to meet this challenge.”
Notes to editor
• ADEME (French Environment and Energy Management Agency), coordinates environmental protection and energy management activities under the supervision of the Ministries of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and Ecological Transition and Solidarity.
